EXHIBIT 5

                                                    January 14, 2000


Trend-Lines, Inc.
135 American Legion Highway
Revere, MA  02151

Dear Sirs:

      This opinion is being given in connection with the Registration  Statement
on Form S-8 (the  "Registration  Statement") to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission by Trend-Lines,  Inc. ("Company") on the date hereof for the
purpose  of  registering  under the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as  amended,  the
interests in the Trend-Lines,  Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan. In connection with this
opinion,  we have  examined  such  corporate  records,  certificates  and  other
documents  and  such  questions  of  law  as we  have  considered  necessary  or
appropriate for the purpose of this opinion.

      Upon the basis of such  examination,  we advise you that,  in our opinion,
the Common Shares have been legally  authorized  for issuance under the Plan and
when sold will be validly issued,  fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common
Shares of the Company.

      We hereby  consent  to the  filing of this  opinion  as an  exhibit to the
Registration  Statement.  In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we
are in a category of persons  whose  consent is required  under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          ROBINSON & COLE LLP



                                          By: /s/ David A. Garbus
                                              David A. Garbus, A Partner